Softex Paper to bring 36 new jobs to second York Co. facility

Softex Paper Inc., a maker of consumer and commercial paper products, today announced that it will locate a new production facility in York County. The $2 million investment is expected to generate 36 new jobs.

“We are excited about the opportunity to expand our company’s production operations. York County provided us with an excellent location for the new plant. South Carolina has offered us a positive business environment and a skilled workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Brian Smith, plant manager for Softex Paper.

Softex will locate a new paper products manufacturing facility in an existing building, located at 210 Mount Phillips Street in Rock Hill. The company will produce paper towels, toilet paper and napkins at the 163,000-square-foot facility. Softex expects to begin operations in the new facility by the middle of 2013.

“While we work every day to bring new companies to South Carolina, it’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses further invest in our state. We celebrate Softex Paper’s decision to invest $2 million and create 36 new jobs in Rock Hill. Investments like this one show we are on the right track with our economic development efforts,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 18,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“South Carolina continues to build on its success in the manufacturing sector with announcements like this one. Softex Paper’s decision to add another South Carolina operation once again demonstrates that companies see the Palmetto State as the right place to do business,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

The new facility will be the second in South Carolina for Softex. The company already has production operations in Chester.

York County Chairman Dr. Britt Blackwell said, “Driven largely by the availability of a suitable existing building, we appreciate Softex’s decision to expand in York County. The store chains they supply are expanding and thereby creating increased potential for more new jobs and investment for our area.”

Softex will begin hiring for the new positions close to the time when the plant begins operations, around the middle of 2013.